23rd SMU-RM Western Circuit Sailing Regatta returns to Raffles Marina
by Raffles Marina 22 Aug 2022 23:59 NZST
13, 14 & 20 August 2022
The SB20 fleet going head-to-head amidst great weather - 23rd SMU-RM Western Circuit Sailing Regatta © Howie Choo
Over two weekends from 13 August 2022, Raffles Marina played host to the three-day 23rd SMU-RM Western Circuit Sailing Regatta (WCSR) in partnership with local university, the Singapore Management University (SMU).
The WCSR has had a long history in Raffles Marina, taking place as early as 1997. However, the series had be put on hold for three years since the pandemic broke out in 2019.
A total of 35 boats from five keelboat classes; 10 Hansas, 5 PYs, 4 IRC, 2 J24s and 14 SB20s took to the waters off Raffles Marina for the three days of racing.
Each day was slated to see five races, but weather conditions proved difficult to hold the full five for each class, making every mistake more costly and every good move truly count. Despite the tricky weather, sailors put on a fantastic display of grit and skill throughout the series.
20 August 2022 was the last day of the 23rd SMU-RM WCSR, and ended in spectacular fashion as sailors, friends and family gathered at Raffles Marina's ballroom to enjoy a gala dinner, which included dance performances and a charity auction to raise funds for the Sailability programme by Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC).
SDSC is a non-governmental organisation and a charity that helps to train sailors with physical disabilities and those recovering from mental illness. It was a night of laughter and joy as sailors celebrated their wins, all while contributing to a good cause.
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed by SMU Provost Timothy Clark, and Raffles Marina Vice President Loke Yuen Piew to continue another three years of partnership between Raffles Marina and SMU.
At the end of the festivities, a cheque of S$11,225 was presented to SDSC representative, Paralympian and Sailability Coach, Mr Jovin Tan, by Mr Clark and Mr Loke.
Overall champions from the 5 keelboat classes below:
- Hansa 2.3: Yap Qian Yin
- PY: Wild Thing
- IRC: Waka Tere
- J24: Balqis
- SB20: Juicebox